Fertilizers

Fertilizers can help plants grow, but when applied in excessive amounts, fertilizers can harm water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Fertilizers are made of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. When it rains, these nutrients are carried by stormwater into the nearest stream, river, or other water body. Too many nutrients in water can cause algae to grow, which uses up the oxygen in the water. Low levels of oxygen in water can hurt aquatic wildlife and even lead to fish kills.

You may not see the effect of fertilizers in stormwater right where you live, but their detrimental effects are very apparent in North Carolina’s rivers and estuaries.

Additional Resources

Below is a link for the Home*A*Syst program that guides environmental stewardship for homeowners. Here you will find several publications aimed at improving lawn care and reducing stormwater pollution.

This document provides tips on preventing stormwater pollution around the house, including how to manage fertilizers and lawn care.

This website provides up-to-date information regarding stormwater, including information on managing stormwater at home and reducing stormwater pollution. Information is also provided on appropriate use of fertilizers.